Tapo · Reviewed by LifeHackster · Published 2026-04-01
Based on a review by LifeHackster (accessed 2026-04-01).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about connects up to 16 tapo cameras and 64 sensors — just accept built-in 16gb storage is insufficient and requires immediate upgrade.
Overall, the reviewer concludes that the Tapo H500 hub is a "pretty good option" for users with multiple Tapo cameras who want to store recordings centrally without cloud subscriptions. They highlight the benefit of dual recording to both the hub and camera SD cards for backup and the ability to live stream wired cameras continuously to a monitor.
This review provides an in-depth look at the Tapo H500 Central Hub, designed for TP-Link and Tapo camera users. It covers the hub's features, unboxing, setup process, and various functionalities including storage expansion, AI capabilities, external monitor streaming, and camera management.
The Tapo H500 Central Hub is a solid option for users with multiple Tapo cameras seeking local storage and continuous monitoring without cloud subscriptions. It supports up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors, significantly enhancing security with local AI facial recognition and cross-camera tracking. The HDMI output enables continuous live streaming of wired camera feeds to a monitor, though battery-powered cameras only stream on motion detection and can quickly drain their batteries if frequently activated. If you prioritize local recording and a dedicated live view for your wired Tapo cameras, this hub offers excellent value. However, if your primary use involves continuous streaming from battery-powered cameras, you should consider alternative solutions.
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specification_claimpositivet=00:46–00:52
The Tapo H500 hub can connect up to 16 Tapo cameras and 64 sensors.
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The hub has a built-in 16 gigabytes of storage, which needs to be upgraded by purchasing a 2.5-inch hard drive. It is compatible with drives up to 16 TB.
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The hub has its own local AI and empowers Tapo cameras, adding facial recognition to their existing person, pet, and vehicle detection.
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The reviewer unboxes the hub, showing its physical design, built-in tablet holder, mic, call button, mute, volume controls, status light, speaker, and various ports on the back (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, reset, power).
hands_on_demopositivet=02:40–03:10
The reviewer connects a C460 camera to the hub. Initially, it warns that 24/7 capture isn't supported without a hard drive, but confirms it works once an HDD is installed.
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The reviewer demonstrates the ability to switch the storage location for recordings between the camera's SD card and the hub within the Tapo app settings.
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The reviewer demonstrates installing a 1TB 2.5-inch hard drive by removing the magnetic cover, unscrewing the tray, placing the drive, and securing it with included screws.
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The reviewer highlights that if a camera has an SD card, it will continue to record to it even when also set to record to the hub, providing a backup.
hands_on_demopositivet=05:20–06:30
The reviewer connects a 15.6-inch portable monitor to the hub via HDMI and USB-C for power, then sets up HDMI mirroring through the Tapo app.
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When using the monitor setup, the reviewer demonstrates that only four cameras can be streamed simultaneously.
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The reviewer shows that wired cameras stream continuously to the monitor, but battery-powered cameras only stream for a short period, pause, and then resume live view upon motion detection.
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The reviewer demonstrates the dashboard management feature, allowing users to create multiple dashboards with different camera groups and rotate them on the monitor using the 'dashboard carousel' setting.
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The reviewer shows the facial recognition system, explaining how to train and improve detection by adding unknown faces to a familiar's list, enabling facial tracking or cross-camera tracking.
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The reviewer shows the camera playback interface, noting that a Tapo C120 camera is set to 24/7 recording and a battery-powered C465 is also set with its 24/7 capture turned on (implying functionality for both when conditions met).
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The reviewer states that the option to use the hub for two-way talk through a connected Tapo doorbell is currently not working, though it can be set as a chime.
The Tapo H500 hub serves to level up home security for TP-Link and Tapo camera users by providing a central location inside the house to store camera recordings and enabling continuous streaming of camera feeds to a monitor. It connects multiple cameras and sensors, enhances AI features, and offers redundant recording options.
The Tapo H500 comes with a small 16GB internal storage, but it is highly recommended to upgrade by installing a 2.5-inch hard drive, which it supports up to 16TB. With a hard drive installed, the hub enables 24/7 continuous recording for compatible wired cameras.
The hub features an HDMI port, allowing connection to a monitor (like a portable 15.6-inch display) to continuously stream live camera feeds. It can display up to four cameras simultaneously. Wired cameras stream continuously, while battery-powered cameras only stream when motion is detected.
Beyond the standard person, pet, and vehicle detection already present in Tapo cameras, the H500 hub adds local AI facial recognition. This feature allows users to train familiar faces and supports cross-camera tracking based on these recognized faces.
The reviewer demonstrates that you can use a tablet or iPad, and the tablet app even offers a 3D modeling feature. However, continuous streaming to a tablet will significantly drain its battery, and Tapo itself recommends using the dedicated monitor mirroring feature for constant feeds.
A beneficial feature of the H500 hub setup is that if a camera already has an SD card installed, it will continue to record footage to both the SD card and the hub simultaneously. This provides a valuable backup of all recordings, ensuring data redundancy.
The reviewer noted that while the Tapo H500 hub can be set up to act as a chime for a connected Tapo doorbell, the crucial two-way talk feature through the hub is currently not working.
75/100 source quality
The Tapo H500 Central Hub offers a solution for centralizing Tapo camera recordings and enabling continuous monitor streaming. It features expandable storage up to 16TB, enhanced local AI with facial recognition, and the ability to connect up to 16 cameras and 64 sensors. The hub allows for dual recording to both the hub and camera SD cards for redundancy. Users can stream up to four wired cameras continuously to an external monitor, while battery-powered cameras activate on motion. Two-way talk with doorbells is not yet supported, but the hub can act as a chime.
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This page converts LifeHackster's review of the Tapo Tapo H500 Central Hub into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted